Nashville Predators Sign Miikka Salomaki to 3-Year Contract

The Nashville Predators can look forward to another Nordic forward climbing his way up the team's depth charts, as they have signed Miikka Salomaki, their 2nd-round draft pick from 2011, to his three-year entry-level contract. This does not necessarily mean he'll be coming to North America this fall, but an NHL future certainly seems to be in his plans.

This arrived from the Preds:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed 2011 second-round draft pick Miikka Salomäki (MEE-kah SA-loh-MA-kee) to a three-year entry-level contract.

Salomäki, 21 (3/9/93), has spent the last three seasons with Karpat Oulu of the Finnish Elite League, amassing 50 points (25g-25a) and 153 penalty minutes in 122 games. In 2012-13, he posted 19 points (9g-10a) and 44 penalty minutes in 42 games. The 5-11, 205-pound left wing has also represented Finland in the past three World Junior Championships, totaling 17 points (8g-9a) in 19 games.

Nashville's second choice, 52nd overall (second round), in the 2011 Entry Draft was named Finnish Junior League rookie of the year in 2009-10 while leading his club to the league title.

For a sampling of what Salomaki might bring to Nashville, check out some highlights, and an interview from shortly before the 2011 draft. He certainly sounds like a Barry Trotz kind of player...